Vredestein Launches Traxion85
Vredestein has launched a new agricultural tyre, which it describes as “the new standard for modern medium-class tractors.” The Traxion85 represents the latest stage of development of the company’s Traxion+ series, which has been on the market since 1997. The new tyre is available in 14 sizes.
Continue ReadingEasy Round
Rema Tip Top has launched a new wheel straightener called Easy Round. The portable device can be mounted on to a tyre changer; requires no external power source (such as air or electricity) and has no over-heads or maintenance costs.
Continue ReadingShould Formula 1 Have a Control Tyre?
Jenson Button, David Coulthard, and Ralph Schumacher have all recently complained about tyre performance at the Brazilian and other Grand Prix. Before that there was the whole US Grand Prix debacle. Most observers and industry insiders put this down to FIA’s ‘one tyre for a race weekend rule.’ Could these and other problems all be solved with a control tyre? click here. to state your views. Don’t forget to leave some contact details so we can publish your views at a later date.
Continue ReadingRaising the Bar
The Aftermarket Show, is putting some “never-before-seen” initiatives into place to attract more exhibitors to the event. The 2006 show will feature a series of seminars which will tackle various issues for the numerous industry sectors it caters for, including: Accessory retailers, motor factors, distributors, independent garages, fast-fits, body shops and franchises.
Continue ReadingNokian Buys US Distributor
Nokian Tyres has purchased US companies University Wholesalers Inc and University Wholesalers in order to strengthen its wholesale and logistics in the strategically important North American winter tyre markets. The purchase agreement was signed 28 of September 2005.
Continue ReadingHofmann Granted ATL Approval
Hofmann has received full GEA Automated Test Lane approval. Richard Dixon from VOSA and Dave Garratt, chief executive of the GEA, over saw the testing which was completed at UK Equipment’s headquarters in Reading.
Continue ReadingWin Tickets to the 2006 World Cup
Tyres & Accessories has teamed up with Continental Tyres to run an exclusive world cup competition. In its capacity as Official Partner of the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Continental is offering one reader the chance to win two all expenses paid tickets to next year’s tournament. A further 10 runners up will receive a goodie bag packed with World Cup merchandise, including match footballs. For more information log onto www.conti-online.co.uk or see the October issue of T&A.
Continue ReadingMichelin Invest in Dundee
Michelin has invested in a wind turbine electricity system at its Dundee facility. Two giant turbines, each 400 ft high will be operational as of next February and will provide around a third of the factory’s annual power demands. In a company statement the manufacturer announced that contracts are being finalised with the developer, Ecotricity, and installation will begin within the next few months. The new turbines will generate 8 million kwh of power.
Continue ReadingBridgestone UK Adds To Sales Team
Bridgestone UK has appointed Tim Dougherty as Trade Sales Manager (North). He has spent his career in the tyre industry, working for a truck rental company and spending eight years as Bridgestones area sales manager in the Midlands. Reporting to head of truck sales Julie Plumb, Mr. Dougherty will manage a team of five salesmen and will be responsible for all Bridgestones truck and bus tyre sales in the northern half of the UK.
Continue ReadingDelphi Appoints MD
Delphi has appointed Lúcia Moretti as managing director, Delphi Product & Service Solutions Europe, Middle East and Africa. In her new role, Ms Moretti heads up a new structure within Delphis aftermarket division, designed to drive the growth of aftermarket business in the region.
Continue ReadingGoing The Extra Mile for a Successful Supply Chain Strategy
Just look at how Ryanair and Easyjet caught the traditional airlines off-guard – that’s just what could happen to your business if you fail to spot an opportunity before one of your competitors does. Of course, in my line of business, I’m interested in how companies can create opportunities for themselves through their logistics management. It’s easy to look at how supermarkets control their supply chain right back to the farmer in the field, and assume that the same will happen in the automotive sector as well. Certainly, the dominant trend in logistics has been the transfer of control from manufacturer to customer.
Continue ReadingCooper To Slow Production Due To Hurricaine
Cooper Tire will have to slow production by approximately 30,000 tyres per day due to raw material supply disruptions associated with Hurricane Rita, analysts have reported.
Continue ReadingWholesaler Invests In the Future
Traditionally Dutch wholesalers can be among the most important business contacts tyre dealers can have. Their reliable feel for trade business is almost expected in Europe, and company news is often news of expansion. This also applies to Tyre Trading International BV (TTI). The Dutch wholesaler based in Numansdorp (south of Rotterdam) is currently building a new on-site warehouse, which will eventually increase TTI’s capacity from 40,000 to 70,000 units. Talking to Tyres & Accessories, owner Peter van’t Hof and his son Dr Peter-Alexander van’t Hof explained the reasons for this expensive step.
Continue ReadingDistribution Channels Continue to Evolve
“I would like to get rid of the expression ‘controlled distribution’,” one contributor told Tyres & Accessories. And this is because along with this term come some ominous implications – that manufacturers can purposefully steer purchasers towards their own products. Of course, this is said to take place most naturally in a manufacturer owned equity like Michelin’s ATS Euromaster, for example. However, the concept of ‘controlled distribution’ covers a whole spectrum of different scenarios. These range from the obvious – manufacturer owned entities – to the more subtle influence manufacturers can exert over completely independent wholesalers and dealers. It is seldom as straightforward as one person controlling and another being controlled. ‘Controlled distribution’ does not only refer to the role played out by manufacturer equities alone, but also to a wide spectrum of influence extending as far as the independent wholesaler.
Continue ReadingSnap-On Tools Named Franchise of the Year Finalist
Peter Harris, who operates the Snap-on Tools franchise, based in Rowlands Castle, Hants, is celebrating being named as one of the top performers in an industry worth over £9 billion a year to the UK economy after reaching the final of the 2005 BFA Franchisee of the Year Awards, backed by HSBC Bank and Express Newspapers.
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